The Indian Student Association hosts India Night
With bright lights shining down on performers, Plachta Auditorium filled with energy for India Night.
The Indian Student Association hosted India Night on April 10 from 4-8 p.m.
To celebrate light and knowledge, the group had a light ceremony, inviting others, including University President George Ross, on stage.
The evening featured many performances, including classical Indian music, Bollywood dancing, a comedy act and a fashion show. At the end of the event, everyone was invited to Finch Fieldhouse to eat a variety of Indian food provided by Swagath Indian Cuisine.
With much energy, the performers danced across the stage in colorful clothing, smiling and filling the auditorium with excitement. The audience clapped and cheered during each dance performance, getting involved by clapping to the rhythm of the songs.
The MCs also got the crowd involved by asking for volunteers, not telling them what they were volunteering for. When not enough people volunteered, they went into the audience and called people up on stage, teaching a dance to all of them.
Junior Keerthi S Gopi Nagaruri, one of the MCs, said he doesn’t know how or why they came up with the idea to bring people on stage; it was completely spontaneous.
“We decided in the middle of the show, ‘hey, why not get volunteers and get them to dance?’” he said. “I thought that was one of the best parts.”
Senior Kartik Chiluka, the other MC, said the goal of the event is to spread cultural diversity and show people what India has to offer, mentioning it offers more than just food and Bollywood music.
“India is very culturally diverse,” said graduate student Krishna Moola, who sang and danced in the event. He said a lot of people don’t know much about India, and going to events like India Night can help people learn about cultures other than their own.
Graduate student Srikanth Tirumalasetti attended the event and enjoyed watching the dancers. He also said it was exciting to see President Ross there.
High school freshman Sana Gala has been performing in the event since she came to America from India at age 8.
“It’s nice to see more Indian people after a really long time; they’re all gathered in one place,” Gala said. “(I love) seeing the performances, especially performing; I love performing.”
Graduate student Anoop Madipalli had a comedy performance and danced for the event, filling the room with laughter during his performances.
“The best part is the diversity we’ve seen,” Madipalli said. “People from all over came and encouraged us. It’s really cool.”
